C!T ROM 5/ctrom5b.zip/ctrom5b/OS2/SPEL/MATRIX11/MATRIX.HLP

OS/2 Help File | 1995-04-13 | 51KB | 796 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Introduction and Rules ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Matrix is a strategy tile game.  Select one of the following for more
information:

o How to play Matrix
o Scoring
o Tiles
o Menus
o Keyboard
o Mouse

Press ctrl-c for Table of Contents.

MATRIX Copyright (c), CodeSmith Software, 1995.
All Rights Reserved.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. How to Play Matrix ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Matrix is a two player game consisting of 48 coloured tiles. A tile consists of
3 sections, each section being 1 of 4 colours. Each player takes a turn placing
one of their 3 tiles on the board. Points are awarded for creating rows,
columns and diagonals of the same colour. After the last tile is played, the
player with the highest score wins the game.

Valid moves are as follows (game beeps if invalid move is played):

 1. The first tile played can be placed anywhere on the board.
 2. All remaining tiles played must touch one another. Tiles cannot overlap.
 3. Tiles that have more than one colour must have all 3 sections of the tile
    adjacent to 3 other sections on the board, and the 3 sections touching must
    all be on the same edge of the new tile (the long edge).
 4. Tiles that have only one colour (eg. all red) have more flexibility. They
    can be placed so that only a corner is adjacent to another tile or 1, 2 or
    3 sections are adjacent (whichever gives the player a better score).
 5. A tile played does not have to score any points.
For examples of valid moves, scroll down to the end of this page.

The game ends when there are no tiles left to play. See also:

o Scoring
o Tiles
o Keyboard
o Mouse

Here is a sample startup game, showing valid moves. After the first move, there
only two possible moves (assuming a mixed colour tile is used). Either below
or above

The third move can also only be played above or below. In this example, it is
placed above.

At this point, the fourth move can be played in one of four places:

If the fourth move was placed at the bottom, then the next move can be placed
in any of the following places, as long as it covers 3 of the black circles:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. Scoring Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Points are scored by adding adjacent sections of tiles that have the same
colour, where at least one section is on the last tile you played.  There must
be at least 3 or more of the same coloured sections in a row, column or
diagonal. Rows and columns are worth one point for each section.  Diagonals are
worth two points for each section.

You may complete lines for all three coloured sections on the current tile
played. These lines may be any combination of rows, columns and diagonals.

In the following example, the solid blue tile has been placed vertically on the
extreme right. The blue tile joins two diagonals, the top one scoring 6 points,
the bottom one scoring 8 points. The tile also joins a horizontal row for 3
points, and the tile itself counts for 3 points in the vertical direction.
Total score for the tile is 6+8+3+3=20.

A tile played does not have to score any points. Sometimes it is to your
advantage to play a tile that scores zero, since it may help in obtaining a
higher score in your next move.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3. Tiles Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

There are 48 tiles, each having three coloured shapes.  There are four colours
in all, with the default being blue, red, yellow and cyan (light blue).

None of the tiles have the same layout as any other, with the exception of
those that have only one colour. There are three each of the single colour
tiles (for a total of twelve).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Menus ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select one of the following main menu options:

o Game
o Move
o Players
o Options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Game Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Game option to start a new game, save/load a game, or exit.

o New Game
o Restart current game
o Save Game
o Load Game


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.1. New Game ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the New Game option to begin a new game. If a game is in progress, it is
wiped out. The tiles are shuffled and each player gets a new starting hand.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.2. Restart ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Restart menu option to restart the current game without shuffling
the tiles.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.3. Save Game ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Save Game menu option to save the current game in progress. This
allows you to continue playing (or replay) it at a later time. You will be
prompted for a file name to save the game in.  The default extension of ".GAM"
is recommended.

The following options are saved:

o All played tiles.
o The tiles in both players' hands.
o The order that the tiles are removed from the pile.
o The current score.

Options under the Options menu are not saved with a game.

See also: Load game, Save options, Save window position.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1.4. Load Game ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Load Game menu option to load a previously saved game.

You can also load a game on startup by passing the file name of the game:

MATRIX saved.gam

You can also drag a saved game onto the Matrix object to load it.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. Move Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Move option to modify the current game play.

o Undo last move
o Redo last undo
o Hint for your move


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.1. Undo ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Undo menu option to take back the last move played. You can undo all
the way to the start of the game. Use the Redo option to replay an Undo.

Warning: If you execute an undo without a matching redo, your score will not be
recorded in the Hall of Fame. In other words, if you undo to improve your
current score - you're cheating!


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.2. Redo ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Redo menu option to replay the last undo. It's recommended that you
redo every undo if you want your score in the Hall of Fame.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2.3. Hint ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Hint menu option to get a hint of a move to play. A hint is
indicated by a shadow piece on the board, and the player's selection arrow
points to the tile to play (this arrow turns a different colour when it is
hinting at a tile to play). If you play the hint, you may need to rotate the
tile to get the best score.

Since hints give the player an advantage, it's best not to use them if you want
your name at the top in the Hall of Fame.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3. Player Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Player option to edit the players or view the high scores.

o Edit players
o Game - Hall of Fame
o Game - Hall of Shame
o Move - Hall of Fame


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3.1. Edit Players ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Edit menu option to edit the player options. Player options are
automatically saved when you exit Matrix.

See Players dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3.2. Hall of Fame and Shame ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Hall of Fame/Shame menu options to view the highest/lowest scores
for a game or a move.

Scores are sorted in the Halls first by the Hints column, then by the Score
column. Since hints give the player an advantage, it's best not to use them if
you want your name at the top in the Hall of Fame.

Press the Clear button to erase the scores.  Press the Restore button to undo
the Clear action.  Press OK to exit - if the Clear button has been pressed then
the cleared table is updated to file at this point.  Restore is not available
after pressing 'OK' or 'Game/Move' or 'Fame/Shame'.

At the end of a game, if any player's score has been added to either Hall, the
Hall will automatically display. Only the winner of a game is recorded in the
Hall of Fame. Only the loser of a game is recorded in the Hall of Shame.
Computer player top scores are recorded by default, but you can disable this in
the options section.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4. Options Menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Options option to edit various game settings.

o Sound
o Show buttons
o Mouse snap
o Auto-center board
o Hide opponents tiles
o Highlight current tile
o Allow computers score in Halls
o Board options
o Tile options
o Auto save all options
o Save window position
o Save options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.1. Sound ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Sound menu option to toggle game sounds on or off.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.2. Show Buttons ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Show buttons menu option to toggle the display of the button group
that appears in the bottom right corner of the board.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.3. Mouse Snap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Mouse snap menu option to toggle the action of the mouse cursor.  If
snap is enabled, then the mouse pointer will move to the next player's hand
after the other player has moved.  When a game is finished, the mouse will snap
to the New Game button, if the Show buttons option is enabled.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.4. Auto-center Board ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Auto-center board menu option to toggle the action of automatically
moving the tiles to the center of the board when the last played tile is played
near the board's border.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.5. Hide Opponents Tiles ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Hide opponents tiles menu option to toggle the display of the
opponent's tiles to be played.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.6. Highlight Current Tile ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select this option to have the current tile in play or the last tile played
highlighted. This allows you to visually see where the last move was played.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.7. Allow Computers Score in Halls ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select this option to allow a computer's high score to be eligible for the Hall
of Fame/Shame (for both Game and Move). If disabled, only human scores will be
entered in the Halls.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.8. Board Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Board menu option to edit the various board options.

See Board dialog.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.9. Tile Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Tiles menu option to edit the various tile options.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.10. Auto Save All Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If selected, any options changed (including a new window size/position) will
automatically be saved when the user exits the game. If this is enabled, the
user does not have to manually select Save options or Save window position.
Note that the current game in progress is NOT saved - you must use Save game to
save a game.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.11. Save Window Position ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Save window position menu option to save the current location and
size of the main game window. The information is saved in the file matrix.ini,
located in the games home directory.  When Matrix loads, it checks to see if a
window size and position has been saved, and, if found, adjusts its size and
position. If a position is not saved, the operating system will determine the
location and size of the window.

See also: Save options. Save game.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.12. Save Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Save options menu option to save the current settings in the file
matrix.ini, located in the games home directory.

The following options are saved:

o All options under the Options menu.
o All board options.
o All tile options.

See also: Save window position. Save game.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Dialogs ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select one of the following dialogs:

o Player options
o Board options
o Tile options


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Players Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The player dialog is divided into 3 sections. The Player 1/2 section in the top
half allows changes to each player. The Status Window section controls the
appearance of the window displayed just below the players' windows. The Preview
section displays changes as you make them. The preview window is a tiny view of
the main playing window - it shows only the major features that are affected by
changing the configuration options.

Press Ok when the changes are completed. Changes are saved automatically when
you exit the game. Press Cancel to abort any changes you have made and return
to the game. Press Defaults to set all fields to the default values.

For more information on specific field settings:

o Player's name
o Main colour
o Edge colour
o Computer opponent
o Level of computer opponent
o Animation of tile
o Delay of tile move
o Display status window
o Text colour


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.1. Player's Name ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Enter the name to use for this player. This name will be used in the Hall of
Fame/Shame and in the player's window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.2. Main, Edge and Text Colour ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You can adjust the colours used by choosing a colour for the main section of
the player's window and the edge section of the window.

The text colour is used for text displayed in the players and status windows.

The defaults are Blue and Dark Blue for player 1, Magenta and Dark Magenta for
player 2, and Dark Cyan and Dark Gray for the status window. White is the
default for the text colour.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.3. Computer Opponent ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If selected, this player is controlled by the computer. Select this option if
there are no other humans in the room who want to play. To control the playing
level ability, select one of the level buttons on the right side.

The default is enabled for Player 2.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.4. Level of Computer Opponent ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select one of the levels to play against - either a smarter or dumber opponent.
The lowest level (beginner) is Moron, the highest level is Ace.

The default is Moron.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.5. Animation of Tile ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If selected, the tile from the computer's hand will float from the player's
window to its final destination. The length of time for an animated moved is
controlled by the delay setting.

The default is enabled. To speed up the play, disable this option.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.6. Delay of Tile Move ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Adjust this setting from 0 to 2 seconds, in 1/20th second increments. This
delay will do one of two things. If animation is enabled, then this delay is
the time between tile updates on the screen as the tile floats to its
destination. If animation is disabled, this is the time between your last move
and the time when the computer player will place its tile.

The default is 1/20th of a second, which assumes animation is enabled. To speed
up the play, set the delay to 0 seconds.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.7. Display Status Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select this option to display the status window during the game. The status
window is displayed between the players' windows and the buttons on the right
side of the screen.

The status window shows the number of tiles left to play and the highest score
for a single move in the current game.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. Board Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The board dialog is divided into 3 sections. The Background section allows
changes to the board's background colours or bitmap. The current size of the
board and bitmap (if any) is displayed in pixels. The Board section allows
changes to the size of the board. The Preview section displays changes as you
make them. The preview window is a tiny view of the main playing window - it
shows only the major features that are affected by changing the configuration
options.

Press Ok when the changes are completed. To permanently save the changes,
select Save options. Press Cancel to abort any changes you have made and return
to the game. Press Defaults to set all fields to the default values.

For more information on specific field settings:

o Background colour button
o Bitmap button
o Main colour
o Edge colour
o Filler colour
o Bitmap file name
o Stretch/Tile bitmap
o Fill entire window
o Board size
o Display grid


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.1. Background Colour or Bitmap Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select the Colour radio button to use a solid background colour for the playing
board.  Select Bitmap to use a bitmap for the board background. For better
performance, select Bitmap (with Tiled option).

If bitmap is selected, you must type in a valid file name for a bitmap file to
use. See Bitmap file.

The default is Colour.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.2. Main, Edge and Filler Colour ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If the Colour radio button is selected, you can adjust the colours used by
choosing a colour for the main section of the board and the edge section of the
board.

The filler colour is used in areas where the board or bitmap do not cover.

The defaults are:

      Main - dark grey
      Edge - pale grey
      Filler - pale grey


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.3. Bitmap File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If the Bitmap radio button is selected, you must enter a filename of any OS/2
bitmap that is to be used as the background of the playing surface. To verify
the bitmap format is supported, press the tab key after typing in the file name
- the Bitmap size field should display a height and width value. If this field
is blank, then the bitmap is not supported.

You can use the Find button to search for bitmap files. You can try using
bitmaps supplied with OS/2 in the \OS2\BITMAP directory (try BLUES.BMP or
WMARBLE.BMP).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.4. Stretch or Tile Bitmap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select Stretch to stretch the bitmap to fill the entire board area. This option
may affect performance on slower systems.

Select Tile to use the bitmap in its current size - multiple copies of it will
be loaded to fill the board.

The default is Tile.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.5. Fill Entire Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If this option is enabled, the bitmap will fill the entire game window - the
filler colour is not used.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.6. Size of Board ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Three board sizes allow you to select the number of squares on the board.
Smaller board sizes result in larger playing tiles. Note that when you change a
board size, the current game in progress is lost.

Small gives a 17x17 playing grid. (640x480 default)

Medium gives a 23x23 playing grid. (800x600 default)

Large gives a 29x29 playing grid. (1024x768 default)


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.7. Display Grid ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If selected, the playing grid is displayed on top of the board.

The default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3. Tile Options Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The tile options dialog is divided into 3 sections. The Select Tile section in
the top left allows you to select 1 of 4 tiles to edit. The
Shape/Pattern/Colour section allows you to make changes to the current tile
selected. The Preview section displays changes as you make them.

Press Ok when the changes are completed. To permanently save changes when you
exit the game, select Save options. Press Cancel to abort any changes you have
made and return to the game. Press Defaults to set all fields to the default
values.

For more information on specific field settings:

 o Tiles 1-4 or Background
 o Shape/Pattern/Colour
 o Stretch shape to tile edge


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3.1. Tiles 1-4 or Background ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select one of the tiles to work on. Select background to work on the colour and
pattern used for parts of the tile that are not covered by the shape. Selecting
background only makes sense if the Stretch shape to tile edge  is not checked.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3.2. Shape/Pattern/Colour ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select one of these options to change the appearance of the tile. The edge
colour is only enabled for the 3D shape.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3.3. Stretch Shape to Tile Edge ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Select this option to stretch the tile shape (3D, square, etc) to the edge of
the tile.

Default is enabled.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Registration ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Matrix is shareware. You may use it for a 45 day trial period, after which you
must purchase it. Buying the product will provide you with a registration
number that will:

 o Remove all dialogs referring to registration. The registration number will
   be valid for all future minor releases (usually bug fixes).
 o Allow you to upgrade to future major releases at a reduced cost.
 o Provide you with the latest version (sent via email or diskette).
 o Provide you with technical support via email or regular mail.

 The cost of Matrix is 15 Canadian dollars or 12 US dollars. Payment can be
 made either in money order, cheque or cash (use registered mail if you are
 sending cash). If using a cheque or money order, please draw it from a
 Canadian or US bank, if possible. Make cheques payable to CodeSmith Software.
 For bulk or group orders, contact us at the address below for more
 information.

 Click here for Order Form

 Please send all orders to:

 Registration, CodeSmith Software, P.O. Box 39167, 3695 W. 10th Ave, Vancouver,
 BC, CANADA, V6R 1G0

 Please include an email address, if possible, with your order. This will allow
 you to receive your registration number as quickly as possible.

 If you need to contact CodeSmith, the email address is:

 Via Internet, AOL, BIX
           [e-mail]
 Via Compuserve
           TO:internet:[e-mail]
 Via MCI
           EMS:INTERNET MBX:[e-mail]
 Via GEnie
           mshill.Direct.CA@inet#
 Via Delphi
           TO:internet"[e-mail]"


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. Matrix Order Form  (1.1) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Name   _________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________

    _________________________________________________________________

    _________________________________________________________________

Email address ___________________________________________________________

Email type  ____Internet  ____Compuserve  Other_________________________

Ship to (check one)  ____Regular mail   ____Email

Version of Matrix you are registering _________________

Where did you find Matrix _______________________________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

________  Matrix registration fee (15.00 Cdn or 12.00 US)

________  Disk (latest version) (optional) (6 Cdn / 8 Cdn outside Canada)
         Specify media:  ____3-1/2"  ____5-1/4"
________  7% PST Sales tax  (BC residents only)

________  Total enclosed

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Mail registration fee (cheque or money order drawn on Canadian or US bank,
payable to CodeSmith Software) and this form to:

  Registration, CodeSmith Software, P.O. Box 39167, 3695 W. 10th Ave,
  Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6R 1G0

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 What language (other than English) would you like Matrix in ____________

 What other platforms  ___Mac  ___Unix  ___Windows  Other_____________

 Comments or Suggestions:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. How to Register ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To register this product, you must first obtain a registration number. For info
on this, click here for obtaining a number, or print out the Order Form and
send it in.

Once you have the registration number, load Matrix (if not already loaded) and
select the 'Help' main menu option, then the 'Registration' menu option. A
dialog window will appear. Enter your name in the first field, then enter the
registration number EXACTLY as shown in the registration letter you received.
Press 'OK' - the game is now registered.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Technical Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Technical support is provided for all registered users via email or regular
mail. Please include your registration number in all correspondence.

For CodeSmith's email and mailing address, click here.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. What's Next ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Stay tuned for these enhancements in the next version of Matrix.

 o Remote player support over modem or network.
 o Support for up to four players.
 o Game play options.
 o Smarter computer opponent.
 o Real sound support via MMPM/2.
 o International versions, including German and Dutch.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Keys Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Keys for Playing Game

 o Player's window keys:

    Cursor up/down
              Highlight tile to select.
    Enter/Space/Backtab
              Place selected tile on the board.
    Tab
              Selects player to start a game (if game hasn't started).

 o Board window keys:

    Pad 5
              Rotate tile 90 degrees.
    Cursor/Home/End/PgUp/PgDn Direction Keys
              Move tile 1 square in that direction.
    Shift or Ctrl or Alt + a Direction Key
              Move tile 3 or 6 or 9 squares in that direction.
    Enter/Space
              Place tile on the board at current location and end turn.
    Tab
              Move current tile back to players hand.

 Shortcut Keys

 Ctrl+H
           Hint for next move.
 Ctrl+G
           Toggle grid on board.
 Ctrl+M
           Toggle mouse snap.
 Ctrl+N
           New game.
 Ctrl+R
           Redo last undo.
 Ctrl+S
           Toggle sound.
 Ctrl+U
           Undo last move.
 F3/Alt+F4
           Exit game.

 See also Mouse help.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Mouse Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 o Player's window:

    Button 1 click on tile
              Place selected tile on the board.
    Move mouse to other player's window
              Selects player to start a game (if game hasn't started).

 o Board window:

    Move mouse pointer
              Current selected tile is dragged with the mouse pointer.
    Button 2/3 click
              Rotate tile 90 degrees.
    Button 1 click over square
              Place tile on the board at current position and end turn.
    Button 1 click on player's other two tiles
              Move current tile back to player's hand and play new tile.

 See also Keys help.